"When reflecting on the miracle of finding happy, I am tormented by Grandma Blondie's story . . . the woman who was his original owner remains a mystery to me.  her identity, if known at all, went to the grave with my grandmother."



"I will never know the magnitude of the friendship or the depth of the connection the women shared.  I believe it was life-changing for both of them.  Somehow a smiling dog with a curious tail played a part.  He gave them a reason to live, a reason to give love a second chance."


"The flame of my curiosity, ignited by the woman who was considered, by some, to be our weirdest relative, fanned by the neighborhood gossip monger, will never be extinguished--and thankfully so.  It sparks my sense of wonder and warms my heart which is full of gratitude for Grandma Blondie, who opened her door to a dog . . . and for the generosity of a stranger, who gave us the gift of Happy."



 


PHOTO:  Peter Meinke (Lines From Neuchatel), the beloved poet Laureate of St. Petersburg, FL, pictured with Connie Langhorst, at the Spring Semester of the Red Earth MFA Program at Oklahoma City University (January 2012).

 


Some Favorite Links (Friends in Writing may submit ideas for posting via GoVida@TampaBay.rr.com):

www.Kerry-Cohen.com

www.JamesBernardFrost.com

www.LouBerney.com

www.JeanettaCalhounMish.com

www.KatMeads.com

www.LauraLippman.com

www.NinthLetter.com

www.JackieMinniti.com

www.Eckerd.edu

www.OKCU.edu/English/RedEarthMFA

www.WritersInParadise.com

NOTE:  Some of the angel photos featured on this website and in Finding Happy appear courtesy of the photographer, and my longtime friend, Brad Smith.  Brad's studios are in Cincinnati, Ohio.  To preview more of his work, visit him online at www.PhotoSmith1.com.